Chapter 44: The Target of All

Chapter 44: The Target of All

Yingxiang had already inquired about the whole story behind why Xiao Changzai was favored today,

After she explained everything in detail to Consort Chen, Chen's expression turned even more unsightly.

“Such lowly trash! Does she think the imperial palace is a brothel? Singing and performing to seduce His Majesty, shameless!”

Yingxiang advised, "Your Highness needn't be upset over this. The Emperor's interest in her is merely a passing fancy. In his heart, Your Highness always holds the highest importance."

"Anyone can say that, but the Emperor only visits the harem a few times a month. Today he goes to her place, tomorrow to yours. How much opportunity does that leave for me?"

Consort Chen, frowning, looked towards Chaoyang Palace, her voice fierce:

"If she likes to sing so much, then I'll make sure she sings to her heart's content!"

*

Yaohua Palace.

Tonight, with Xiao Jingheng not visiting, Song Zhao was happy to relax.

After enjoying the moon for a while following her evening meal and reading two volumes, just as she was about to have someone help her wash up and rest, someone from the Internal Affairs Office came.

"Lady Song, His Majesty sent me to deliver something to you."

Song Zhao, looking at the food box in his hand, curiously asked, "What is it?"

"It's a special calming tea used by His Majesty. His Majesty said that you worked hard today and wants you to drink this tea for a good night's sleep."

The eunuch took out a jade teapot, poured a cup of tea for Song Zhao with utmost respect, and then fawned over her, saying,

"In this palace, besides the Empress and Consort Chen, you're the only one to receive such an honor."

Song Zhao smiled shyly, nodding as she took out some silver coins from the drawer and handed them to him, "Thank you for your trouble."

The eunuch happily accepted the silver coins, his smile widening.

Previously, Song Zhao didn't give rewards to the servants, merely putting on a show.

To survive in the palace, spending money to bribe servants, gather information, and cultivate relationships was essential.

Right after giving the silver, Xiao Fuzi hurried in,

Seeing a stranger present, he whispered to Song Zhao,

"Lady, Xiao Changzai is serving the Emperor tonight. However, His Majesty did not stay overnight, and she has already been escorted out of Chaoyang Palace."

Song Zhao pondered for a moment, pushed the jade teapot a few inches towards the eunuch, and said with a smile:

"I notice that whenever His Majesty sends something from the Internal Affairs Department, you are always the one running the errands. Do I remember correctly?"

"Lady Song has a good memory. Indeed, I am specifically responsible for delivering rewards to the Eastern Six Palaces."

"You work hard in your duties, and seeing how clever you are, I'm willing to give you a hand. Tonight, Xiao Changzai is serving the Emperor, and she is, after all, His Majesty's cousin.

She's not a commoner, and sooner or later she will rise in rank. I heard she doesn't have a personal eunuch yet. If you could get on her good side and become a servant to one of the main ladies of the Eastern Six Palaces, wouldn't your prospects be much broader than serving in the Internal Affairs Department?"

The eunuch pondered and said, "Lady Song's advice is wise, but I am insignificant and my words carry little weight. How could I make Xiao Changzai take special notice of me?"

"There's an opportunity right now," Song Zhao fetched an ordinary purple clay teapot, poured the remaining calming tea from the jade teapot into it, and handed it to the eunuch,

"Xiao Changzai has worked hard serving the Emperor tonight. This excellent tea will let her share in His Majesty's grace, and also show her that you are thoughtful and considerate."

Song Zhao's intention was for the eunuch to use the Emperor's special calming tea to ingratiate himself with Xiao Changzai,

This action broke the rules, but palace servants, in their quest for promotion, were willing to take even riskier steps.

The eunuch hesitated for a moment, then knelt to thank Song Zhao for her kindness and quickly left with the calming tea.

Song Zhao's action left Xiao Fuzi somewhat perplexed,

"Why would Lady Song use something gifted by His Majesty to curry favor? And why favor a lowly servant at that?"

Holding the tea cup in her hands, Song Zhao took a small sip and then stopped drinking,

"Take this and dispose of it for me."

Xiao Fuzi paused, "Does Lady Song find it unsuitable?"

Song Zhao shook her head, "This calming tea is an imperial item, undoubtedly excellent. Drinking it would ensure even those troubled by nightmares a sound sleep till dawn. However, the Empress has summoned the concubines tomorrow morning, half an hour earlier than usual, to discuss His Majesty's birthday arrangements. I can't afford to be late."

Hearing this, Xiao Fuzi immediately understood Song Zhao's intention,

"Lady Song is wise! The entire palace knows these are Imperial Concubine Chen's favored days. Xiao Changzai snatching the Emperor's favor with such lowly tactics is bound to offend Imperial Concubine Chen. If Xiao Changzai drinks the calming tea tonight and is late for the morning greeting with the Empress, she'll be accused of arrogance due to favor and offend the Empress as well. Then, her days ahead..."

"Don't speculate," Song Zhao smiled and waved her hand, cutting off Xiao Fuzi's words, "I sent her the calming tea because she must be tired from serving. I just wanted to help her on behalf of His Majesty. I don’t have such convoluted thoughts."

"Yes, yes," Xiao Fuzi lightly slapped his own mouth twice, "I spoke out of turn, please don't mind me, Lady Song."

Song Zhao's thoughts, in fact, were quite straightforward:

She didn't want Imperial Concubine Chen to be favored at this time, yet she couldn't overtly divide her favor,

Thus, she was eagerly awaiting Xiao Changzai, who was favored and talented, to become her best pawn.

Furthermore, with Li Changzai now gone, among the new concubines in the palace, Xiao Changzai was the most noticeable.

Both the Empress and Imperial Concubine Chen were watching her every move, leaving her restricted in her actions.

At this time, letting Xiao Changzai suddenly emerge to divert their attention and become the target instead of her was the best strategy.

The next day, Song Zhao got up early, arriving at the Empress's palace before dawn.

After sitting for a short while, the other concubines gradually arrived,

But Xiao Changzai and Imperial Concubine Chen were conspicuously absent.

Yun Fei glanced at Hui Fei, who was eating pastries, and said in a sing-song voice:

"It's not unusual for Imperial Concubine Chen to be late, but why isn't Xiao Changzai from your palace here today?"

Hui Fei, with her mouth full of pastry, swallowed it down with a sip of milk tea before replying:

"I don't know, last night Xiao Changzai went to Chaoyang Palace to see His Majesty, and she hadn't returned when I went to bed. The Empress told us to come early for the greeting today, and I overslept, so I rushed over without paying attention to anything else."

Everyone started gossiping, each adding their own comments, while Song Zhao observed quietly, watching the Empress's expression.

As the central figure of the harem, late attendance by the concubines was a significant disrespect to her,

Having just Imperial Concubine Chen was troublesome enough, and now Xiao Changzai had emerged,

Even the most tolerant person would find it hard not to be irritated.

However, when Xiao Changzai arrived in a flurry and apologized to the Empress,

Song Zhao watched as the displeasure on the Empress’s face quickly dissolved, replaced by her usual composed and gentle smile,

"It's alright, you've worked hard serving His Majesty. I called for an early morning greeting today, so being a little late is no big deal. Please, rise and take your seat."